Oral diseases often heal on their own, but sometimes the help of a dentist is necessary
Oral and mucosal diseases, such as hairy tongue, geographic tongue, dark spots or lumps in the mouth are usually harmless. If the symptoms are severe or persistent, you should consult your dentist.
Mucosal and oral diseases in a nutshell
- The oral mucosa can be affected by a variety of diseases. Most of them are harmless and will heal spontaneously.
- Consult your dentist if the symptoms are persistent and bother you or you do not know what is going on.
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal on its own is always a reason to see a dentist.
During a dental check-up, you will get an assessment of your oral and dental health from a dentist as well as a recommendation for further action. Dental check-ups are painless and you do not require any treatments.
Book an appointment for a dental check-upDuring a dental check-up for patients with dental fear, you can face your fears safely and at your own pace with a dentist experienced in treating patients with dental fear.
Book a dental check-up for patients with dental fearA lump on the gum or in the mucous membrane of the mouth is usually a harmless symptom
A lump can develop in the mouth for a number of reasons:
- A hard, pale bump on the gum or palate is usually an overgrowth of bone that you don’t have to worry about. Inflamed roots of teeth and the surrounding tissues can also cause lumps on the gums. In this case, you need to see a dentist urgently.
- A softer, gum-coloured lump on the lip or cheek usually arises as a result of a bite or rubbing of a prosthesis. Harmless fibromas can be removed with surgery if they are constantly caught between the teeth or cause other harm.
- A blister-like lump on the lip is most often caused by damage to the salivary gland, for example, as a result of a bite. The lump can burst, but it will grow again and again unless it is removed with surgery.
- A rough-edged, bloody and ulcerative lump in the mouth should be shown to a dentist if it does not heal on its own in a couple of weeks.
If you feel discomfort in your mouth and the problem does not get better on its own, book an appointment with Hammas Mehiläinen.
Dark spots on the mucous membrane of the mouth are typically harmless
Dark grey or brown spots on the gums are typically caused by amalgam entering the tissue upon the removal of a dental amalgam filling or tooth extraction. This is very common and there are no harms related to it.
In some cases, smoking can cause excessive pigmentation of the gums in the front of the mouth.
If you have never had an amalgam filling or if the dark spot is located in the palate, you should show the lesion to the dentist. It may be a rare mole or a benign melanin spot. Melanomas on the oral mucosa are very rare.
Pale lesion in the mouth — dentists can usually help
If a pale lesion appears in your mouth, the reason for it should be determined, unless it disappears in a couple of weeks.
- Thickening of the mucous membrane as a result of tooth abrasion may manifest as a pale area in the mouth. If necessary, a dentist can correct the situation by grinding the tooth.
- Lichen planus in the mouth must always be confirmed with a biopsy. Lichen planus manifests as white strands on the cheeks and a red tongue. If the mouth is sore and stinging, the symptoms can be treated with cortisone.
- Aphthae are white blisters on the mucous membranes of the mouth. They heal spontaneously within a couple of weeks. Avoid using toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate if you suffer from aphthae.
- Pale bumps with sharp edges (leukoplakia) should be shown to a dentist for biopsy.
Redness of the mouth can be caused by a yeast infection
Oral yeast infection causes the mucous membranes of the mouth to become red and burning. In healthy people, the condition is often associated with the use of removable prostheses and orthodontic appliances. Yeast infections can also develop as a result of dry mouth, smoking, oral lichen planus, antibiotics and some diseases.
Local treatment prescribed by a dentist will cure the yeast infection. Good oral hygiene promotes healing. Clean the prostheses and orthodontic appliances regularly as well.
If the redness of the mouth does not improve in a couple of weeks, it is advisable to visit a dentist to check the situation.
Discolouration of the tongue is harmless
Your tongue may be discoloured, and its colour can vary from light to dark brown. It is a feature of the mucous membranes of the tongue, not an actual disease.
- Hairy tongue is the overgrowth of the bumps on the tongue, which is why the tongue may even look hairy. The colour can vary from yellowish to almost black. The symptoms are relieved by cleaning the tongue daily. Use a regular toothpaste and a tongue scraper. Smoking aggravates the symptoms.
- Geographic tongue is caused by partial thinning of the tongue’s mucous membranes, which manifests as red and pale spots on the surface of the tongue. Geographic tongue is sometimes accompanied by a stinging sensation of the tongue. Toothpaste for sensitive mouths can help with the sensation. If necessary, your dentist may prescribe you a cortisone medicine to relieve your symptoms.
Burning mouth syndrome is a harmless but troublesome symptom
A burning sensation in the tongue, lips or the front of the palate can be a real nuisance. These are symptoms of burning mouth syndrome, which usually affects middle-aged or older women. In some cases, it may be associated with a dry mouth or changes in the sense of taste.
The causes of burning mouth syndrome are not known, but it may be related to disturbances in the functionality of sensory nerve fibres. Fortunately, burning mouth syndrome is not harmful to your health.
The symptoms can be alleviated by:
- chewing gum and lozenges
- avoiding acidic foods
- using toothpaste designed for sensitive mouths
- using medicine prescribed by a dentist to treat pain
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Service | Mobile Benefit price | Price estimate |
---|---|---|
Dental check-up | 51,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 81,00 € | |
Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 88,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € | |
Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 165,75–232,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 185,90–252,90 € | 165,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 185,90 € | |
Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 95,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. | 106,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 115,00 € |
Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 126,00–171,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 134,00–189,00 € | from 126,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 134,00 € | |
Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 91,00–253,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 101,00–276,00 € | from 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 101,00 € | |
Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 271,00–693,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 271,00–750,00 € | from 271,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 271,00 € | |
Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 598,00–755,00 € | from 598,00 € No Kela reimbursement | |
Chipped tooth Prices 91,00–253,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 101,00–276,00 € | from 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 101,00 € | |
Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 105,00–709,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 115,00–771,00 € | from 105,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 115,00 € | |
Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 95,00–436,00 € | from 95,00 € No Kela reimbursement | |
Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free Kela reimbursement deducted from the price | |
Anaesthesia Prices 36,00–37,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 39,00–40,00 € | from 36,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 39,00 € |
Frequently asked questions about oral diseases
If an ulcer on the oral mucosa does not heal in two weeks, it should be shown to a dentist.
Pale spots that do not heal spontaneously also require a dentist’s assessment of the situation.
If the oral symptoms are disturbing and persistent, it is advisable to consult a dentist.
Lumps on the gum or lip are usually harmless. If the lump is constantly caught between the teeth or causes disturbance otherwise, a dentist can remove it surgically.
A white lump on the gum is usually caused by overgrowth of bone. It is harmless and does not need to be treated. In some cases, an infected tooth can cause a lump on the gums. In this case, you need to see a dentist urgently.
Inflammation of the oral mucosa is not a separate disease. However, it may be caused by a yeast infection in the mouth that makes the mucous membranes red and sting. Contact your dentist to get the right treatment.
Partial thinning of the tongue’s mucous membranes can cause light and red patches on the tongue. In some cases, the symptom is associated with a burning sensation. Geographic tongue is harmless. However, if the symptoms are troublesome, you can get help from a dentist.
Overgrowth of the tongue’s papillae causes discolouration of the tongue and can make the tongue look hairy. It is a harmless property of the mucous membrane of the tongue, which can be alleviated with good oral hygiene. In particular, cleaning the tongue is important. Smoking typically makes the symptoms worse.